The motherboard is the basic component of the computer depending on this choice, there will be choices for the processor (CPU), the type of memory (RAM) and expansion ports: number of graphics ports, number of SATA connections for hard drives and optical drives, …
The fundamental component of the motherboard is the chipset:
it determines which CPU can work on this motherboard (they must be socket compatible), it also determines the type of managed RAM (DDR2, DDR3, or DDR2 / DDR3)
To choose a motherboard, you must pay attention to two main points:
- Compatibility with other components of the PC: To be perfectly compatible, they must be part of the same generation, and sometimes even be from the same manufacturer. A new generation processor will not work on a too old motherboard, even with an updated BIOS.
- Scalability of the connection: To assemble a computer capable of evolving and paste the technological future scalability of the connectors on your motherboard is crucial. To it you will connect new elements: it must support them. For additions of elements must be especially sufficient number of ports (USB) and specific types (e-SATA, FireWire, HDMI ,…)
Of course, the use you want to make your PC is determining: you need not be the same for a PC dedicated to the office and surfing the web than for PCs of gamers that will run video games.
Duo motherboard / processor
Without harmony between these 2 elements, not good performance. Clearly, do not invest in a high-performance processor (quad-core type) if your motherboard (and especially its chipset) is unable to run it. It is better to choose a motherboard chipset with the same brand as your CPU, but not mandatory. AMD or Intel, the war of two brands of processor rages and motherboards are compatible with a brand: So, first choose your CPU.
Since their release in the summer of 2006, Intel Core 2 in socket LGA-775 are very efficient and good for overclocking, they are the dual cores or quad cores. But their days are numbered, because eventually replaced by i5/i7.
With sockets 1156 and 1366, Intel launched the new Nehalem architecture: the i7 965 dominates the market in terms of performance.
AMD stands up well with the new Phenom II, the performances are equal to the Intel CPU (except i7), and have much better performance and overclocking capabilities of the Phenom I.
They are usually socket AM3, socket AM2/AM2+ being in end-of-life.
Choosing the chipset
Once selected the CPU, the chipset of choice arises.
If you opt for an Intel CPU, there are motherboards with Intel and others with an nVidia chipset. What is the difference between these 2 brands?
The Intel chipsets are designed for the CrossFire, technique of coupling two ATI graphics cards.
The most common are the P45 and X48 for socket 775.
The P45 supports CrossFire under the proper conditions, the X48 allows CrossFire without restriction.
They are also very good for overclocking, they rise in frequency, particularly the P45, engraved in 65nm (instead of 90nm), but the FSB:RAM ratio is by discrete values (not continuous).
For sockets 1156 and 1366, there was no choice, only exist for the moment the P55 for socket 1156 and the X58 for socket 1366.
Note that in the case of a motherboard for i5 and i7 processor, chipset P55 or X58 supports CrossFire as well as SLI.
NVidia chipsets are provided for SLI, which is to couple two nVidia graphics cards.
They are a bit worse in overclocking, because they heat much, but the FSB:RAM ratio can be adjusted continuously.
The most common are the 750i SLI, the 780i SLI and 790i SLI.
The 750i SLI makes SLI under the proper conditions, the 780i and 790i allow 3way-SLI without restriction.
Similarly, if you choose an AMD CPU, a choice must be made for the chipset: AMD or nVidia?
AMD chipsets are planned for the CrossFire.
The 2 most common chipsets currently available from AMD in socket AM2+ or AM3 are the 785G or 790 FX/GX: they enable CrossFire without restriction.
As platforms for Intel CPU, nVidia chipsets are provided for SLI.
The 2 most interesting chipsets currently available from nVidia in socket AM2+ are the 750a SLI and 780a SLI:
The 750a SLI provides SLI in decent conditions;
The 780a SLI provides SLI without restriction, and 3 way-SLI in decent conditions.
On AM3 motherboards, it seems that nVidia is back, there is essentially AMD chipsets.
The ports and connectors
These are “plugs” on which elements are connected to the motherboard. On a motherboard, we must find USB 2.0 connectors in sufficient numbers, but also an e-SATA port to connect under hot conditions an external hard drive, and also a Firewire port for a digital video camera. The ports are for SATA hard disks and drives (the IDE or PATA port is endangered).
You should check the number of ports and connectors to make sure that you will be able to connect all the components you need. If you want to upgrade your computer, ports must be available.
The format and integrated elements
There is first the size (form factor): for a ’standard’ PC, this will be the ATX format, the most common being compatible with virtually all configurations, and gives the greatest possible choice of motherboards, therefore features.
For a mini PC, there are several sizes smaller, the most common being the micro-ATX, and for lovers of all small sizes, there is the mini-ITX.
The integrated components are increasingly common on newer motherboards, but are generally bound to a “quiet” use: graphics card, sound card, firewall. Here is the custom which commands to run 3D games, an additional graphics card is mandatory as well, a sound card on PCI is recommended if you have a sound system of high performance (amp, speakers, …).
Some motherboards, often micro-ATX format, boarded an integrated graphics chip, the 3 manufacturers currently available are Intel, AMD and nVidia. Their performance in graphics are very limited, but they are quite suitable for use in office or multimedia.
The most efficient currently are the GeForce 9300/9400 graphics cards on Intel motherboard, and HD 4200 (785G chipset) on AMD motherboard.
The 2 onboard graphics cards can even play a little, but their performance is roughly 2 times lower than the HD 4670.
Always changing, quantities and sizes of memory cards are not accepted by all motherboards: DDR2, DDR3, or DDR2/DDR3.
Generally, these indications of compatibility are present on the descriptive cards. We just have to know what kind of machines you want to create and for what purpose.
Conclusions
These specifications are specified, you should be able to choose your motherboard and CPU depending on the type of use you want for your PC.
The manufacturers are really rather small, the manufacturing of motherboards is mostly due to 3 major manufacturers: Asus, Gigabyte and MSI, but there are some outsiders like Foxconn.
ASRock is not really a manufacturer to share, it is a subsidiary of Asus producing maps at low cost but with quality Asus.
Most current cards work with DDR2, because DDR3 is still significantly more expensive for a low gain in practice, but their sockets are dying and DDR3 will eventually take advantage because it consumes less power and its bandwidth is higher.
Intel i5/i7 or AMD Phenom II solutions will be equipped for DDR3, it is mandatory for motherboards in sockets 1156/1366 and socket AM3.
Tags: Buying Guides, How to, Motherboards, Peripherals, Tips and Tricks
